A student's accidental email to more than 5,000 of his graduating classmates spawned an epic viral campaign and a string of hilarious emails.

Students woke up this morning to find hundreds of messages - some offering support to the unfortunate graduand, some angry at his butterfingers.

It all started on Tuesday, when the University sent an email to graduating students informing them that the deadline for ordering graduation robes was that night, and that students should place their orders soon to avoid disappointment.

They noted that 4,345 students had already ordered their robes, but 563 had failed to do so.

Alan, a hard working young man, missed the email, and replied last night in the hope he'd still be able to obtain the ceremonial clothing.

But, perhaps as a result of his long hours, or the panic of having missed his deadline, Alan clicked the wrong button and instead of just emailing the University with his plea for help, he emailed his entire graduating class of more than 5,000 students.

What followed was an epic tale of a community rallying round in support of a colleague in need - and scores of hilarious responses.

Most of the hundreds of emails sent in reply to Alan were supportive, offering kind thoughts - if not help - to the poor robeless fellow.

Pray for Alan - students show their support

Some even suggested an organised approach to the young man's plight, suggesting fundraising opportunities and hashtags.

Pray for Alan - students hatch plans to help

But some students were less supportive of Alan's pleading email, with one in particular being particularly unimpressed by the bombardment of her inbox.

Pray for Alan - students angry at getting hundreds of emails

But the crowning glory of the morning's banter, was the creative student who got poetic about Alan's tale of woe.

As students woke up to find their inboxes filled with hundreds of emails, the hashtag #prayforalan began to go viral on social media, gaining hundreds of tweets in just a few hours.

Fortunately, Alan's plea didn't fall upon deaf ears at the University, who tweeted to reassure Alan fans that the hardworking chap would indeed be able to graduate in his robes.